REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: JENNIFER CLARK, Director
Planning and Development Department
PHIL SKEI, Assistant Director
Planning and Development Department
BY: CRYSTAL SILVA, Senior Management Analyst
Homeless Services Division
SUBJECT
Title
Actions related to the Service Agreement with Poverello House for Mobile Shower and Restroom Operations.
1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15301/Class 1 (Existing Facilities), under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines.
2. Approve a Service Agreement with Poverello House (Poverello) for Mobile Shower and Restroom Operations from September 30, 2025, through September 29, 2026, in the total amount of $324,000 funded with the Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention (HHAP) program.
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15301/Class 1 (Existing Facilities), under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines and approve the service agreement with Poverello to operate the Mobile Shower and Restroom. The agreement term is from September 30, 2025, through September 29, 2026, in an amount not to exceed $324,000, funded through the HHAP program and authorize the City Manager or designee(s) to execute the agreement on behalf of the City.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City of Fresno (City) is seeking to allocate HHAP funds to continue Mobile Shower operations that support individuals experiencing homelessness. Staff issued a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) on July 4, 2025, with two qualified proposals received. Poverello’s proposal was determined to be most responsive, cost-effective, and aligned with HHAP program goals. Based on this evaluation it is staff’s recommendation to award Poverello a one-year allocation of $324,000 for Mobile Shower and Restroom Trailer operations.
BACKGROUND
In February 2020, The City was awarded HHAP funding in the amount of $6,158,246.18 from the California Homeless Coordinating and Financing Council to address Homelessness. In September 2021 the City received $2,911,171 in a second round of HHAP allocations. In January 2023 received a total of $7,524,257.15 in a third round of HHAP allocations. July 2023 received $11,265,425.10 in a fourth round of HHAP allocation and in October 2024 the City received notification of $13,096,671.82 allocation in a fifth round of HHAP allocation. Health and Safety Code Section 50220.5(d) allows program recipients to use their allocation for outreach services, as well as for services coordination for homeless populations.
To utilize HHAP funding to support outreach and diversion services, a NOFA for Mobile Shower Operations was released on July 4, 2025, with two qualified proposals received. A separate review panel including staff from the City’s Housing and Community Development Department, HART, a representative of the Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission, and a member of the Lived Experience Advisory Board (LEAB) determined that Poverello’s proposal met all criteria, with a recommended award of $324,000.00 for Mobile Shower and Restroom Trailer operations.
Based on the outcome of the competitive NOFA process and Poverello’s history of successful homeless service delivery, staff recommends the approval of HHAP Mobile Shower and Restroom Trailer Operations September 30, 2025, through September 29, 2026, in an amount not to exceed $324,000.00. This program will directly support the City’s efforts to provide additional opportunities for individuals experiencing homelessness to engage with outreach services and transition individuals into safe, stable housing.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
Staff has performed a preliminary environmental assessment of the Project and has determined that the Service Agreement is exempt from CEQA as set forth in CEQA Guidelines, Section 15301 for Existing Facilities, which exempts projects involving a negligible or no expansion of any existing facility. This exemption applies because this Project involves the operation of an existing structure and does not involve any expansion of use or physical modification. Services will continue as previously established, consistent with existing or former use. Staff determined under the CEQA Guidelines this project fits within the definition of existing facilities in Section 15301/Class 1 as Categorically Exempt from further CEQA review. Based on staff analysis, it was determined that no adverse environmental impacts would occur because of the proposed project and none of the exceptions to Categorical Exemptions set forth in the CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2 apply to this project.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference is not applicable due to the use of State Funds.
FISCAL IMPACT
The general fund will not be impacted, due to the City utilizing state HHAP funds to support the project.
Attachments:
Poverello House Service Agreement – Mobile Shower Operations
Categorical Exemption Mobile Showers